Best Music Shops In Los Angeles
From hard-to-find instruments to live concerts, you'll discover a universe of fun things to see and do at any number of music stores in Los Angeles. If you are a singer, musician or just like to hang out at these popular retail establishments, here are some of the best music shops around town.
Amoeba Music
6400 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 245-6400
www.amoeba.com
With more than 250,000 new and pre-owned CDs, vinyl records and audio cassettes lining its shelves, this artsy establishment is listed among the largest independent music stores in the world. It also features a special area for collectors seeking vintage materials, including rare LPs. The entire second floor has given over to a massive selection of DVDs and Blu-ray discs. Those looking for unique posters, T-shirts and music-related books will find a goldmine at this L.A. landmark. Patrons are often thrilled when the shop hosts free shows, spotlighting regional and national artists from a broad range of genres. A visit to this uncommon location is a major-league experience like none other.
Caveman Vintage Music
650 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-9999
www.caveman-vintage.com
In addition to buying and selling vinyl records, including LPs and 45s, this downtown L.A. location houses an on-site repair shop for string instruments, electric pianos, combo organs and amplifiers. Some of its classic guitars swing back to the late 1950s. Hollywood set designers searching for a touch of realism for their next 1960s-era movie will stumble upon vintage amplifiers and the type of hollow-bodied bass instruments that were used by Paul McCartney of The Beatles when he became a household name. Old-time snare drums and a selection of one-and-only microphones are also in the offering, as well as hard-to-find parts. For a blast from the past, this is the place to go.
McCabe's Guitar Shop
3101 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310) 828-4497
www.mccabes.com
Established in 1958, this popular site specializes in acoustic and folk instruments like guitars, banjos, mandolins and fiddles. It sells a plethora of string instruments, with most brands already in stock. Dozens of accomplished music instructors hold classes and workshops at the store, teaching kids and adults alike how to master an array of instruments, including the violin, piano, mandolin, harmonica and ukulele. McCabe's even offers songwriting courses and voice lessons. This musical treasure trove also puts on regular concerts, highlighting Grammy-worthy performing artists that hail from Southern California and beyond. The pop-rock band The Bangles is listed among its many celebrity guests.
Related: Best Voice Lessons In Los Angeles
Professional Drum Shop
854 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 469-6285
www.prodrumshop.com
Designed for both working and amateur percussionists, this family-owned location has been drumming up business since 1959. It sells a slew of drum sets, custom-made drums and electronic drums. In fact, almost every type of instrument that makes music on a strike, scrape, rub or rattle is available at this Hollywood location. Its more popular brands include KAT Percussion, Ludwig and Pearl. Music students will also discover loads of books, DVDs and other learning materials to introduce them to classic and modern-day music styles and arrangements, including marching percussion. Accessories, hardware and fashionable apparel are offered in great quantity at this all-encompassing shop, as well.
Westwood Music
1627 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 478-4251
www.westwoodmusic.com
Since 1947, this legendary shop has attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton and Dwight Yoakam, among many others. For nearly 70 years, its attentive sales staff and skillful service technicians have helped make this institution one of the leading guitar and amplifier repair shops in the region. Endeavoring performing artists are taught by consummate music instructors how to play such instruments as the guitar, bass, piano or ukulele. Private and group sessions are available, matching students with appropriate teachers and mentors. This is more than a store. It's a towering society of musical professionals that keeps getting better.
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